about

purpose

The purpose of Change Course LLC is to reduce abrasive behavior by the, otherwise, exceptional organizational leader. We provide specialized executive coaching to abrasive leaders and aid their superiors in understanding how to effectively intervene. 

Significant developmental change is possible. There is hope for improved conduct and an enhanced workplace. Dr. Tucker’s research has demonstrated positive change is possible.

about dr. tucker

Dr. Lori Tucker is a business professor, researcher, and executive coach for abrasive leaders.  She holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Conflict Resolution.  Dr. Tucker is a member of International Leadership Association, International Association on Workplace Bullying and Harassment, and Academy of Human Resource Development.

Recent Research

Dr. Tucker has conducted ground-breaking research on formerly abrasive leaders. Her study is the first to explore the experience and meaning making of the formerly abrasive leader–the person who had previously used detrimental interpersonal behavior at work. Inquiring into the stories and experience of these leaders as they moved away from abrasive behavior, her research yielded significant insight into what abrasive leaders need to develop their emotional intelligence and enhance their management strategies.

In this study at least one superior to each abrasive leader initiated a direct face-to-face conversation with the leader about his destructive conduct.  Following this intervention, each leader sought specialized executive coaching and other professional help to assist with his interpersonal development and management strategies.  The courageous leaders in this study shared numerous stories and reflective insights into their journey away from abrasive behavior. 

Future Research

The focus of Dr. Tucker’s future research will be on the experience of the direct supervisor who chose to intervene with the abrasive leader.  Understanding the experience of a successful intervention will provide further insight for researchers and practitioners in how to effectively support and educate managers in reducing workplace psychological aggression. 

Teaching Experience

Dr. Tucker’s areas of expertise at the undergraduate and graduate levels include:

  • Management
  • Ethical leadership
  • Teamwork, collaboration, and conflict management
  • Communication and conflict theory/practice
  • Critical thinking and problem solving

Publications

Tucker, L. J., & Williams, P.E. (2021). Abrasive leaders who changed: Learning from their experience. Personnel Review. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-07-2020-0507

Tucker, L. J. (2019). A narrative inquiry with three formerly abrasive leaders: Stories of disruption, awakening, and equipping [Doctoral dissertation, Abilene Christian University]. Digital Commons at ACU. https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/154


ACADEMIC CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Tucker, L. J. (2021, April 12-14). Three formerly abrasive leaders: Stories of disruption, awakening, and equipping [Oral virtual presentation. Refereed abstract]. 12th IAWBH International Conference on Workplace Bullying and Harassment: Developing an Oasis of Workplace Bullying Knowledge and Practice—People, Places, and Perspectives.

Tucker, L. J., & Williams, P. E. (2021, February 17-19). Helping abrasive leaders and their superiors: The essential role of HRD professionals [Oral virtual presentation. Refereed full manuscript]. 2021 Academy of Human Resource Development Virtual Conference: Innovating and Leading in Times of Rapid and Unplanned Change.

Tucker, L. J., & Williams, P. E. (2020, November 5-9). Moving away from abrasive behavior: The need for others [Oral virtual presentation. Refereed detailed abstract]. International Leadership Association’s 22nd Annual Global Conference: Leading at the Edge.

Tucker, L. J., & Williams, P. E. (2019, October 24-27). A narrative inquiry with three formerly abrasive leaders: Journeys away from destructive workplace behavior [Oral presentation. Refereed research manuscript]. International Leadership Association’s 21st Annual Global Conference: Leadership: Courage Required, Ottawa, Canada. 

OTHER PRESENTATIONS

Tucker, L. J. (2021, July 16). Extend support to the abrasive physician: Offer hope [Webinar]. Coalition for Physician Well Being.

Tucker, L. J., & Williams, P. E. (2020, July 16). Can abrasive bosses change? Insights from those who did [Webinar]. IdeaLab, Abilene Christian University. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH5klGBWMWM

Tucker, L. J. (2019, November 1-2). Formerly abrasive leaders: Stories of disruption, awakening, equipping [Conference session]. 33rd Annual Oregon Mediation Association’s Fall Conference: Managing Conflict—Bridging the Gap through Mediation and Beyond. Portland, OR.

Tucker, L. J. (2019, August 12). A narrative inquiry with three formerly abrasive Leaders: Stories of disruption, awakening, and equipping (Part 2) [Webinar]. Boss Whispering Institute.

Tucker, L. J. (2019, July 1). A narrative inquiry with three formerly abrasive Leaders: Stories of disruption, awakening, and equipping (Part 1) [Webinar]. Boss Whispering Institute. 

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Boss Whispering® is a specialized method developed by Dr. Crawshaw to help abrasive leaders improve their management strategies and increase their emotional intelligence.

Dr. Crawshaw has over 30 years of experience and research to support the effectiveness of this method.  She in an international speaker on the topic of abrasive leaders and has coached leaders from over 40 Fortune 500 companies.

Research indicates Boss Whispering® has an 85% success rate in helping abrasive leaders move towards acceptable workplace behavior.  Research and publications about this method can be located by clicking this link.